May 2026 Across Kansas: News, Places, Food, Trivia & Family Fun
Across Kansas This Month
May 2026 brought late-spring storms, crop and pasture watchfulness, school-year milestones, summer family travel planning, transportation updates, and the first stretch of festival season across Kansas.
- News
- Places
- Food
- Trivia
- Family Fun
May tax collections finished above estimate
The State of Kansas ended May 2026 with total tax collections of $703.8 million, according to the Kansas Office of the Governor. That was $42.5 million, or 6.4%, above the estimate, and total tax collections were up 7.0% from May 2025.
The same release reported individual income tax collections of $367.7 million and combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts of $290.9 million. Source: Kansas Office of the Governor.
Kansas farms balanced wheat, row crops, pasture, and livestock
USDA's Kansas Crop Progress and Condition reports tracked more than wheat during May: corn and sorghum planting, soybean progress, topsoil and subsoil moisture, pasture and range condition, and hay supplies all helped tell the late-spring farm story.
Winter wheat was still a major marker as harvest approached, and the late-May national crop summary later noted that 55% of Kansas winter wheat was rated very poor to poor on May 31. But the month also mattered for cattle producers watching grass, hay, stock water, and storm impacts, plus row-crop growers trying to get spring crops established between weather windows. Sources: USDA NASS Kansas Crop Progress and Condition and USDA NASS Acreage, June 2026.
May 18 storms produced tornadoes and damaging wind
The National Weather Service in Topeka documented a May 18 severe-weather event across north central and northeast Kansas. Initial supercells produced hail up to half-dollar size and five tornadoes, then storms congealed into a line with wind gusts of 60 to 85 mph.
NWS reported seven tornadoes in all that day, including two EF-1 tornadoes that spun up along the leading edge of the storm line. Source: National Weather Service Topeka.
Sunflower Summer returned for Kansas families
On May 5, the Kansas Department of Commerce announced the return of Sunflower Summer for the 2026 season. Kansas Tourism said Kansas residents with school-aged children from pre-K through 12th grade are eligible to participate.
The program was scheduled to run July 9 through August 2 and cover admission costs for eligible students and one adult guardian per participating attraction, with tickets available through the Sunflower Summer app. Source: Kansas Department of Commerce / Kansas Tourism.
Regents recognized 220 Apply Kansas All Star High Schools
On May 20, the Kansas Board of Regents recognized 220 high schools as Apply Kansas All Star High Schools. KBOR said the recognition honors high schools that help students apply to and access college.
To be named an All Star High School, a school must host an Apply Kansas college application event, sponsor or collaborate on a FAFSA completion event, and host a senior signing day celebrating college and career pathways. Source: Kansas Board of Regents.
KDOT previewed a major I-70 closure in downtown Topeka
On May 26, the Kansas Department of Transportation announced that a full closure of I-70 in downtown Topeka would begin in June as part of the Polk-Quincy Viaduct project.
KDOT said all lanes of I-70 between Topeka Boulevard and 8th Avenue were scheduled to close starting June 8 until December, with I-470 serving as the through-traffic detour. Source: Kansas Department of Transportation.
Featured Kansas Tourist Spot
Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
Location: Near Strong City, Kansas
May is a natural month to think about the Flint Hills. Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve is open year-round, and the National Park Service lists the visitor center and historic buildings as open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from May 1 through October 31. The Lower Fox Creek School is listed as open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. from May 1 through December 31, weather permitting.
Why it matters: The preserve protects a rare tallgrass prairie landscape and gives visitors room to learn about ranching history, native prairie, Flint Hills ecology, and open Kansas views.
- Stop at the visitor center before choosing a trail or historic-building tour.
- Walk the Southwind Nature Trail or Bottomland Trail when weather and trail conditions allow.
- Watch for prairie flowers, grasses, birds, and broad Flint Hills views.
- Check current NPS alerts before driving, especially during burn season or after heavy rain.
Visitor tip: Bring water, sun protection, and shoes for open prairie walking. Sources: National Park Service basic information and Travel Kansas wildflower walks.
Kansas Kitchen
Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp
May is a good month for a simple spring dessert. K-State Research and Extension describes rhubarb as one of the first vegetables ready for use in spring, and its strawberry guide notes that June-bearing varieties produce one crop sometime between mid-May and mid-June, depending on environment and location.
Ingredients
- 3 cups sliced rhubarb stalks, leaves removed and discarded
- 3 cups sliced strawberries
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease an 8-by-8-inch baking dish.
- Mix rhubarb, strawberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Spread in the baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Cut in the butter until the topping forms coarse crumbs. Sprinkle over the fruit.
- Bake 35 to 40 minutes, until the fruit bubbles and the topping is golden.
- Cool at least 15 minutes before serving. Refrigerate leftovers promptly.
Kansas connection: This is a Kansas-inspired spring dessert built around rhubarb and strawberries that can be grown in Kansas gardens. Sources: K-State Research and Extension rhubarb, K-State Research and Extension strawberries, and USDA FSIS leftovers and food safety.
Kansas Trivia
Test Your Kansas Knowledge
- Which Kansas preserve is featured in this issue?
A. Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve B. Brown v. Board National Historical Park C. Fort Larned National Historic Site D. Nicodemus National Historic Site - How many Apply Kansas All Star High Schools did KBOR recognize in May 2026?
A. 80 B. 105 C. 220 D. 625 - What family travel program did Kansas Tourism announce would return for 2026?
A. Sunflower Summer B. Prairie Passport C. Wheat Harvest Week D. Flint Hills Fridays - Which downtown Topeka interstate closure did KDOT preview in May?
A. I-35 B. I-70 C. I-135 D. I-470 - According to K-State Extension, rhubarb is among the first garden crops ready in which season?
A. Winter B. Spring C. Late summer D. Fall
Answer key: 1-A, 2-C, 3-A, 4-B, 5-B
Kids Corner
May Connect the Dots
Pick an age level, connect the dots in number order, then print and color the May Kansas picture.
Seasonal Kansas
What May Brings
- Graduation SeasonSchools, families, and communities celebrate students moving into their next chapter.
- Storm AwarenessMay is a month to keep weather alerts on and avoid flooded roads after heavy rain.
- Prairie Green-UpThe Flint Hills and other prairie areas shift fast from fresh green grass to early summer growth.
- Garden Check-InVegetable gardens, flower beds, weeds, mulch, and watering routines all start asking for steady attention by late May.
- Garden DessertsRhubarb and strawberries make easy spring desserts when local gardens and markets cooperate.
Coming Up Next Month
- Wichita RiverfestRiverfest returned to downtown Wichita with a traditional nine-day schedule of concerts, food, fireworks, and community events. Source: Visit Wichita.
- Old Shawnee DaysVisit KC listed Old Shawnee Days among the region's June annual events. Source: Visit KC.
- FIFA World Cup 2026 in Kansas CityVisit KC listed Kansas City host matches and the official fan festival running during the tournament window. Source: Visit KC.
- Theatre in the ParkTravel Kansas listed Theatre in the Park dates varying between June 16 and July 19, 2026. Source: Travel Kansas.
- Barton County FairTravel Kansas listed Barton County Fair dates varying between June 24 and June 28, 2026. Source: Travel Kansas.
Keep Exploring Kansas
May is one of those Kansas months that asks people to pay attention: to the sky, the fields, the graduates, the garden, and the first big summer plans. Thanks for reading JustKansas Monthly. We will see you next month with more verified news, practical ideas, and family-friendly ways to explore the state.
Sources
- May Total Tax Collections at $703.8 Million; 6.4% Above Estimate - Kansas Office of the Governor, published June 1, 2026, accessed July 13, 2026.
- Kansas Crop Progress and Condition Reports - USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, accessed July 13, 2026.
- Acreage, June 2026 - USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, published June 30, 2026, accessed July 13, 2026.
- May 18, 2026 Tornadoes - National Weather Service Topeka, accessed July 13, 2026.
- Sunflower Summer Returns with Free Admission for Kansas Families - Kansas Department of Commerce / Kansas Tourism, published May 5, 2026, accessed July 13, 2026.
- Regents recognize 220 Apply Kansas All Star High Schools - Kansas Board of Regents, published May 20, 2026, accessed July 13, 2026.
- I-70 closure in downtown Topeka to begin next month for PQV project - Kansas Department of Transportation, published May 26, 2026, accessed July 13, 2026.
- Basic Information - Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve - National Park Service, accessed July 13, 2026.
- Wildflower Walks in the Flint Hills - Travel Kansas, accessed July 13, 2026.
- Rhubarb - K-State Research and Extension, accessed July 13, 2026.
- Strawberries - K-State Research and Extension, accessed July 13, 2026.
- Leftovers and Food Safety - USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, accessed July 13, 2026.
- 2026 Wichita Riverfest - Visit Wichita, accessed July 13, 2026.
- 2026's Top Annual Events in Kansas City - Visit KC, accessed July 13, 2026.
- Theatre in the Park - Travel Kansas, accessed July 13, 2026.
- Great Bend Expo Complex - Travel Kansas, accessed July 13, 2026.